1

Retail Merchandise Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Merchandise Planner

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

OVERVIEW We are looking for an analytical and fashion-savvy Merchandise Planner to drive sales and ... Strong understanding of retail dynamics including seasonal cycles, trend forecasting, and ...

Job Summary The Merchandise Planner is responsible for driving category financial performance ... Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Retail, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.

Key Responsibilities * Support the creation and maintenance of merchandise financial plans ... Experience with JDA, Blue Yonder or other retail planning systems preferred. * Strong attention to ...

Merchandise Planner

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$65K - $150K/yr

Short Story is an award winning, technology powered retailer dedicated to petite women 5'4" and ... The Merchandise Planner plays a pivotal role in driving the success of our merchandise assortment ...

Merchandise Planner

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$36 - $40/hr

Are you a data-driven retail expert passionate about shaping product strategies and optimizing ... What You'll Bring * 5+ years of experience in merchandise planning, retail planning, inventory ...

Retail Acumen: Deep understanding of specialty retail dynamics and customer behavior ... merchandise planning, preferably in specialty retail * Experience with omnichannel retail and ...

Retail Acumen: Deep understanding of specialty retail dynamics and customer behavior ... merchandise planning, preferably in specialty retail * Experience with omnichannel retail and ...

Merchandise Planner

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$82K - $99K/yr

We pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive environment at our HQ, retail stores and wholly-owned factory, and are growing our community every day. About the Team: The Merchandising Planning team is ...

Retail Acumen: Deep understanding of specialty retail dynamics and customer behavior ... merchandise planning, preferably in specialty retail * Experience with omnichannel retail and ...

Retail Acumen: Deep understanding of specialty retail dynamics and customer behavior ... merchandise planning, preferably in specialty retail * Experience with omnichannel retail and ...

Retail Acumen: Deep understanding of specialty retail dynamics and customer behavior ... merchandise planning, preferably in specialty retail * Experience with omnichannel retail and ...

Merchandise Planner

West Covina, CA · On-site

$75K - $82K/yr

Job Summary The Merchandise Planner serves as the business lead for their assigned categories or ... Plan all components (retail, cost, units, margin, etc.) for specific categories/departments ...

The Merchandise Planner will plan, forecast and manage sales, margin, inventory, receipts and turn for retail and direct business for financial and demand components. Key responsibilities are to ...

Founder & CEO Richard Saghian launched the brand in 2006, from a retail location in Los Angeles ... ROLE OVERVIEW The Merchandise Planner will own product planning across categories and support ...

Merchandise Planner

Manhattan Beach, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

The Merchandise Planner is responsible for successful development and execution of top-down and ... Strong aptitude for numbers and clear understanding of retail math. * Proficiency in using ...

Minimum of three years of Merchandise Planning experience required ... Demonstrated strong retail math skills and strong analytical skills required. * Demonstrated ...

Showing results 41-60

Retail Merchandise Planner information

See salary details

$33K

$76.9K

$111K

How much do retail merchandise planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for retail merchandise planner in the United States is $76,893.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $89,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a retail merchandise planner?

To thrive as a Retail Merchandise Planner, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in business, finance, or merchandising, often with a relevant degree. Familiarity with inventory management systems, data analysis tools like Excel, and planning software such as Oracle Retail or JDA is typically required. Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities set top performers apart in this role. These skills are vital for optimizing inventory, maximizing sales, and ensuring the right products are available to meet customer demand.

What are some common challenges retail merchandise planners face in balancing inventory levels and sales targets?

Retail Merchandise Planners often navigate the delicate balance between maintaining optimal inventory levels and achieving sales targets. A key challenge is accurately forecasting demand for various products, especially in the face of changing consumer trends and seasonal fluctuations. Planners must also coordinate closely with buyers, suppliers, and store managers to ensure timely stock replenishment while minimizing overstock and markdown risks. Effective communication and data analysis skills are essential for making informed decisions that support both profitability and customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Retail Merchandise Planner vs Retail Buyer?

AspectRetail Merchandise PlannerRetail Buyer
Primary FocusForecasting sales, inventory management, and merchandise planningSelecting and purchasing products to meet customer demand
Skills & CertificationsAnalytical skills, inventory management, retail software proficiencyNegotiation, product knowledge, vendor relations
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, collaborating with planning and merchandising teamsStore visits, vendor meetings, purchasing decisions
Industry UsageCommonly used in retail chains, department stores, and e-commerceUsed across retail sectors including apparel, electronics, and specialty stores

While both roles are essential in retail operations, the Retail Merchandise Planner primarily focuses on sales forecasting and inventory management, ensuring the right products are available at the right time. The Retail Buyer concentrates on selecting and purchasing products, building relationships with vendors, and curating merchandise to attract customers. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and hiring needs within retail organizations.

How much do retail merchandise planners get paid?

Retail merchandise planners typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and company size. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced planners with advanced skills can earn over $100,000 annually.

What does a retail merchandise planner do?

A retail merchandise planner is responsible for analyzing sales data, forecasting demand, and developing inventory plans to ensure the right products are available at the right time. They collaborate with buyers and store teams, use planning software, and focus on maximizing sales and profitability through effective stock management.
More about Retail Merchandise Planner jobs

Who are the top companies hiring for Retail Merchandise Planner jobs?

The top employers for Retail Merchandise Planner jobs are:

What states have the most Retail Merchandise Planner jobs?

States with the most job openings for Retail Merchandise Planner jobs include:

Infographic showing various Retail Merchandise Planner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,893 per year, or $37 per hour.

Sr Planner, Merchandise (Pipeline Only)

chicosfas

Fort Myers, FL

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

POSITION OBJECTIVE:


This position is responsible for the development of annual, seasonal, monthly and weekly plans utilizing current sales and trend information.  This position is primarily responsible for translating the Merchant’s vision into viable plans and profitable results across Omni channels. This person will participate in key cross functional initiatives that align to the strategic goals of the brand. Areas of responsibility will be larger volume or more complex areas of business.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Partners with the Merchants on the development of pre-season sales, markdown, margin, sales and inventory.
  • Develops projections and inventory flow for key items/collections.
  • Provides other analysis related to driving business goals (e.g. hindsights, color-selling, etc.)
  • Forecasts monthly and seasonal plans, to ensure all orders fall within approved financial targets.
  • Analyzes and reacts to performance of strategy based on actual sales and current trend performance.
  • Partners with Merchant to develop and propose tactics in response to current business trends, such as:
    • Make recommendations for key financial meetings/decisions in order to maximize sales, margin and inventory productivity Monthly plan review process: develop sales, markdown, receipt and inventory re-forecasts
    • Manage and execute promotional and liquidation strategy
    • Communicate revisions within the team and cross functionally
  • Partners with cross functional teams to utilize seasonal selling curves by region, climate, and store attribute.
  • Exhibits initiative to look beyond the everyday business to look for opportunities to maximize sales potential
  • Prepares and participates in Merchandise Review meetings (MBR, seasonal hindsight)
  • Acts a resource and leader for planning team and cross functional partners.
  • May supervise and develop merchandise planner(s) and/or associate planner(s)

This position may be found in multiple brands.  Some duties may vary from brand to brand.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in finance, operations, or business
  • 5+ years of experience in: retail merchandise planning, demand forecasting; inventory management, allocation or replenishment; financial planning or financial analysis experience
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills; strong aptitude with numbers; retail math skills, understanding of forecasting methodology
  • Makes decisions with limited information but also able to synthesize large quantities of data to drive business decisions
  • Strong communication and presentation skills:  concisely presents complex information/recommendations in terms meaningful to various audiences
  • System proficiency with strong emphasis on Excel
  • Builds collaborative partnerships cross-functionally; identifies/influences critical stakeholders